Ashwaubenon-based Shopko has timed release of doorbusters

Nov. 6, 2013

Shoppers at the mall entrance side of ShopKo at Bay Park Square Mall in Ashwaubenon make a break for the sales at 5:00 a.m. on Nov. 26, 2010 for the annual Black Friday shopping tradition. Photo by Corey Wilson/Press-Gazette

Written by

Maureen Wallenfang

Post-Crescent Media

Shopko plans to beat other Black Friday store openings by a good 14 hours. But that’s actually nothing new.

The Ashwaubenon-based retailer announced today that its stores will be open from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thanksgiving for its first release of 100 specially priced items, or doorbusters. Last year it opened at 8 a.m.

Shopko’s stores will reopen Thursday night at 8 p.m., when the majority of other department and specialty stores plan to open for Black Friday. At that time, it will have its second wave of specials, more than 850 with discounted prices that run until Friday noon or while supplies last. Last year, it opened at 9 p.m.

Shopko’s third release of doorbusters at 5 a.m. Friday is designed for traditional Black Friday shoppers. Stores remain open Friday until 11 p.m.

In addition, it will have online deals starting Wednesday at 1 a.m. at shopko.com.

“Our customers have told us they are pressed for time and want flexible and convenient options for their holiday shopping,” said Mike Bettiga, Shopko interim CEO, and chief operating officer, in a prepared release.

Shopko, based in Ashwaubenon, operates more than 330 stores in 21 states.

Its Shopko Hometown stores will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., with 100 doorbusters. Those stores reopen at 5 a.m. Friday with additional items discounted until noon.